Somewhere, BMW India is being all smug. Here is the explanation. Mercedes Benz is following the strip down trend that was started by BMW India.A few months back, BMW India launched a stripped out version of the BMW 320D and priced it attractively at Rs 24 lakh. As was predicted the BMW 320D Corporate Edition registered a never-before like sales and gave its rivals, Audi and Mercedes, many a sleepless nights. And all this happened even when the BMW 320D was in a stripped out guise.
Mercedes feigned nonchalance and said that it was content to see BMW launching cheaper variants which would help it retain the “Premium” status in India. But that was a long time ago. Mercedes-Benz India has finally given a thought to the ‘Special Edition’ trend. Mercedes, in an effort to get a piece of the Indian pie, has announced the launch of a stripped out Mercedes Benz C220CDI.
Named as the Executive Edition, the Mercedes Benz C220CDI has rid itself of a number of features. The Executive Edition C220CDI will not have the panoramic sunroof, Paramatric Steering Wheel, Multifunctional Steering Wheel and Mobile pre-installation. A few of the exterior features have been stripped too, including the xenon headlamps and the LED turn indicators. The Executive Edition has also excluded the Anti-theft Package, though the internal motion sensor & tow away protection are present.
There have been a few replacements in Executive Edition C220CDI, including single CD changer, 7 spoke 16″ alloy wheels and Artico man made leather. But, the best part of the Executive Edition deal is the common rail diesel engine that can churn out 400 Nm or torque. And though, it is no match for the BMW 320D, it still makes for a powerful ride. The Blue Efficiency tag in the Executive Edition C220CDI carries a lot of value too.
The constant competition (or rivalry) between these German luxury car manufacturers has always brought out the best results. And every time, the customers are the ones to benefit. So no one would hear us complaining.
Brand name carries a lot of value for Indian car buyers and car manufacturers seem to have caught wind of that. For many Indians, the Merc logo carries more value than the actual features of the car. What about you? Would you buy a car just for the brand or for the features that should be there in a premium luxury car?
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